Treasures Abound in the Elderly

September 24, 2000
A common trait of humanity is that everyone grows older. It is just a matter of time. Our culture puts a premium on youth and beauty, but God looks upon the heart. I wonder how many names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life because of an older saint's persistent prayers. How many little "grandmas" have worn out their knees on the behalf of a loved one?

One of the stories that came out of Viet Nam was about a U.S. pilot whose task involved flying low enough to distract the Viet Cong while a downed pilot ran to the rescue helicopter. The pilot could almost see the enemy's camouflaged uniforms as he strafed the field below. At that precise moment, the pilot had a vision. He saw his mother and grandmother on bended knee by his bed, praying for his safety. His report read: "Mission accomplished!"

God's Word has a lot to say about the elderly. One of my favorites is Psalm 92:12-14: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." (NIV) Palm trees have a very long life. To "flourish" means to stand tall and be strong. I like to think that placing faith in God enables the palm tree and the believer to stand strong and solid in life's adversities.

Wisdom from the elderly is priceless. They have a lifetime of experiences that have great benefits for younger generations. An elderly friend passed these gems of wisdom on to me:

1. Don't worry. Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but you don't get anywhere.

2. Get rid of fear! Most of the things we fear never come to pass.

3. Live one day at a time. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not here yet.

4. Handle only one problem at a time.

5. Leave your work at the office.

6. Don't try to solve other peoples' problems. That gives you one more problem.

7. Be happy now, not tomorrow.

8. Be a good listener. You never learn anything by talking.

9. Appreciate what you have instead of wishing for something else.

10.Be Cheerful. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." (Proverbs 17:22)

Celebrate the "treasures" of the elderly. Affirm their worth and value. They have a storehouse of knowledge, a heart filled with love and a lot for us to learn from "the good old days."